Help Abby Beat Cancer

Alexander Ruiz is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

This is Abby, our beautiful and sweet rescue dog. On April 30th, we discovered a small lump on the top of her ear and took her to see the vet. He was immediately concerned and encouraged us to do a biopsy. The following week she had the procedure and it was much more invasive than we thought it would be. She had 11 staples and the recovery was rough. Unfortunately, the results came back inconclusive.

After getting two more doctor opinions, we opted to do another biopsy which diagnosed her with a Grade 1Fibrosarcoma , a malignant type of tissue cancer. Because it began growing so quickly and aggressively we made the very difficult decision to have it removed in order to give her the best chance of survival. All of her doctors agreed because she is so young (Abby will turn five this September) and that the Grade 1 level has a very low chance of metasticizing, a Total Unilateral Ear Canal Ablation and radiation would be the best course of action.

Abby's surgery was on June 30th and everything went great and on July 13, the approximately 40 staples were removed and she has thankfully recovered very, very well.

Now, Abby has to undergo 18 consecutive sessions of radiation therapy - Monday through Friday. Each time she goes for her radiation she has to be put under because she cannot move during the treatment.

The funds we are looking to raise will be used to cover the cost of her Ear Ablation surgery and her radiation treatment which totaled over $10,000 (which does not include the $3,800 we've already paid for the biopsies & doctor visits). Because we were denied Care Credit, a credit card where you can finance healthcare costs, we had to charge all of Abby's procedures on our credit card. In order to avoid paying even more because of the credit card interest, we are hoping to raise the money as quickly as possible in order to pay the credit card off in full. In an effort to be completely transparent, we have attached copies of the bills below.

We understand that this year has been difficult and challenging for everybody because of COVID-19 as it has undoubtedly been for us. Abby's diagnosis was totally unexpected and a financial hardship we were not prepared for. My wife and I will appreciate any help that you may be able to give to lessen this hardship so we can continue focusing on the long road to recovery that Abby still faces.

Abby was a stray when she was found by Miami-Dade Animal Services so we've never known her story, only that they named her Maritza when they found her and like many rescue dogs, has suffered trauma in her life. Abby has been through a lot since we discovered the lump on her ear back on April 30 and we want to do everything we possibly can to help her get through this as painless and stress free as we can. With the help of your donation you will undoubtedly play a significant role in #TeamAbby.

With gratitude,

Alex, Jeanette & AbbyAbby - November 15, 2019
#TeamAbby - June 27, 2018
Abby after first biopsy
Abby after second biopsy.
Abby recovering from her Ear Ablation surgery. She had to wear this cone for two weeks.
Abby's 40 or so stitches and drain after her Ear Ablation.
Abby - July 7, 2020